History

In 1893, Midland and Great Western Railways decided to extend the Dublin - Westport line to Achill and construction began that year. The last section of the line, Mulranny - Achill Sound, was not opened until May 13th of the 1895, although the first train to run on the tracks ran a year earlier, carrying the bodies of the Clew Bay Disaster.

Marketing

Midland Great Western Railway of Ireland Tourism Ad Circa 1900

Notice in the Mayo News Saturday May 11th 1895."On Monday next, the M.G.W.R. open the railway extension to Achill and the event will mark a new era in the history of that out of the way island.There is little doubt that the value of all kinds of stock raised by the poor people will be considerably increased by being thus placed in touch with the outer world and the line will also be availed of by tourists in search of secluded and healthful resort in which to spend their summer holidays.It is hoped the M.G.W.R. will frequent Sunday excursions to the island"An advert offered in the Mayo News of June 15th 1895 stating that there was to be excursion from Castlerea to Achill on Sunday 23rd . It was to leave Castlerea at 3a.m. At the cost of 7 shillings first class and 4 shillings 3rd class arriving in Westport at 9.57 and in Achill at 11.10. Price from Westport to Achill was 3/6 first class and 2/- 3rd class .

Closure

In 1925 a merger led to management by the Great Southern Railways. They closed it in 1937.In the 1930s, as the roads improved and cars became more common, trains became less popular, and Midland Great Western Railways began to discuss closing down the Westport - Achill line. In 1934 the passenger service was closed, although it was reopened temporarily 1936 while road repairs were in progress. Freight trains continued to run until 1937. In 1937, when the Kirkintilloch Disaster claimed 10 Achill victims, train again took the bodies' home. Achill railway closed in 1934, but was re-opened after a period during which only a freight train ran. The reason it was re-opened was because the local road was as yet unsuitable for the replacement bus - but this was rectified after a while and the whole line shut down for good, the last trains running on Thursday 30th September 1937.